‘Lost’ Andy Rouse Ford Sierra RS 500 for sale

By Ryan Standen
News
 | 27 Jun 2023
Classic & Sports Car – ‘Lost’ Andy Rouse Ford Sierra RS 500 heads to auction

A Ford Sierra RS 500 driven by British Touring Car legend Andy Rouse has resurfaced after nearly 30 years. 

The whereabouts of the 1989 class-winning British Touring Car Championship racer were unknown after it was sold privately in Japan in the early 1990s.

This RS 500 will cross the block with Silverstone Auctions at this year’s Silverstone Festival on 25 August.

And expectations will be high, following the record-breaking sale of a 1987 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS 500 for £596,250, also with Silverstone Auctions, in February.

Classic & Sports Car – ‘Lost’ Andy Rouse Ford Sierra RS 500 heads to auction

Engine specialist Xpower rebuilt the Ford Sierra RS 500’s turbocharged unit

Prepared by Andy Rouse Engineering (ARE), the former driver and team owner piloted this Sierra to six wins and a Class A victory in the 1989 BTCC.

At the end of the season, it was shipped to the Macau Grand Prix to compete in a support race, alongside Tim Harvey’s Ford Sierra RS 500 that was also prepared by ARE.

The pair battled it out on the tight streets of Macau, but mechanical woes limited Andy to a second-place finish.

Classic & Sports Car – ‘Lost’ Andy Rouse Ford Sierra RS 500 heads to auction

Andy Rouse claimed six pole positions in this Ford Sierra RS 500

The car was then sold to a Japanese racing team that wrapped it in a new livery and campaigned it in 1990.

Following a single outing in ’91, the ARE Sierra RS 500 was retired from competition and sold privately in Japan.

It remained in the country until recently, when an enthusiast bought the car to use for racing, unaware of its history.

It was only when ARE components and the RS 500’s original livery were revealed that this classic Ford’s provenance became clear.

Classic & Sports Car – ‘Lost’ Andy Rouse Ford Sierra RS 500 heads to auction

Inside, the Ford Sierra RS 500 racer has been restored to its original condition

Andy Rouse was able to confirm that it was his 1989 BTCC challenger, and work began to restore the car. 

Aside from the addition of an engine-management system, the Sierra RS 500 is now back to its original condition, evocative Kaliber livery included.

Once work was complete, Andy was invited to drive the finished car at Silverstone.

“Pleasingly, it’s accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Andy Rouse offering rock-solid provenance from the car’s original builder and driver, and someone who was one of the most respected preparers and drivers in British motorsport,” said Harry Whale, of Silverstone Auctions.

This special fast Ford has been consigned to the Silverstone Auctions sale at the Silverstone Festival on 25 August 2023 – further information on the car can be found here.

Images: Silverstone Auctions

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Ryan Standen

Ryan Standen is Classic & Sports Car’s Editorial Assistant